The Arizona Diamondbacks, guided by a three hit, two run, two RBI game from rookie phenom Corbin Carroll, advanced to the World Series for the first time in 22 years by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 4-2 on Wednesday night in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series.
Arizona, which had a record of 84-78 and secured the final NL wild card spot, completed a comeback from an 0-2 deficit in the NLCS.
Arizona’s bullpen played a crucial role in shutting down the Phillies’ powerful lineup. Rookie starter Brandon Pfaadt struck out seven, and five relievers combined for five scoreless innings of one-hit ball. Kevin Ginkel and Paul Sewald were particularly effective in closing out the game.
The Diamondbacks scored first in the game, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Although the Phillies tied the game with a home run by Alec Bohm and took a 2-1 lead in the fourth, the Diamondbacks rallied back. Carroll had a key RBI single in the fifth, and the team added another run in the seventh.
The Phillies missed several opportunities to score, finishing the game 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position. The loss was a disappointment for the Phillies, who were one win away from another World Series appearance.
Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks was named the NLCS MVP for his impressive performance throughout the series. He batted .387 with 12 hits, including four doubles and a triple.
The Diamondbacks will now face the Texas Rangers in an unexpected all-wild card World Series. Game 1 is set to take place on Friday night at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. This marks only the second time the Diamondbacks have reached the World Series, with their previous appearance resulting in a thrilling seven-game victory over the New York Yankees in 2001.